Chapter 196
No.1
They wanted the world to witness their familial loyalty.
Victoria's lips curved into a smirk as she eyed the solitary dress hanging aside.
Isabella would play nothing but a minor role in her wedding!
The smoke-gray dress looked utterly drab.
Anyone wearing it would appear frumpy and unattractive.
Furthermore, all eight bridesmaids possessed their own distinct allure.
How could Isabella possibly outshine them collectively?
The thought of Isabella being ignored filled Victoria with immense satisfaction.
Most importantly, Isabella's secret relationship with Nathaniel would soon explode into public scrutiny.
She would face the internet's furious wrath!
No.2
Speaking of Isabella...
She arrived at the hotel precisely then.
She hesitated momentarily, recalling this was where she had been pushed down the staircase years ago.
This was where her reputation had been destroyed.
Yet she proceeded inside.
Since Victoria had planned such dramatic entertainment, how could she miss it?
Besides, exchanging gifts was only polite.
She had prepared an exceptionally generous return present for Victoria!
She opened the car door, preparing to exit when Nathaniel asked, "Are you certain you don't want me accompanying you?"
"Positive. I can handle this alone. Just focus on caring for Christopher." Isabella waved at Oliver before walking away.
No.3
She understood Nathaniel's protective instincts.
She needed to resolve matters with Victoria quickly to assist his investigation into the five-year-old incident.
Additionally, Nathaniel's men had found no traces of the Blackthorn Syndicate.
Numerous urgent matters demanded her attention.
Isabella's sharp gaze fixed upon the magnificent Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
Ironically, Tiffany and the Blackthorn Syndicate had orchestrated the tragedy here five years earlier.
Now, five years later, none of them would escape consequences.
Victoria had destroyed her happiness and continued plotting against her even during her own wedding!
It was only fitting that Victoria prepared to have her reputation utterly shredded.
Victoria should ready herself to experience every suffering she had inflicted.
No.4
Isabella Montgomery strode toward the dressing room from memory.
She found Victoria Kensington surrounded by a flock of bridesmaids.
They chattered around her as if she were the princess she always pretended to be.
Victoria’s smile widened when she saw Isabella. “Sister! You made it. I wanted you as my only bridesmaid, but Grandfather and our parents insisted on more. I suppose it’s better this way. It shows the world how close our family is. I hope you don’t mind?”
Isabella scanned the room with an impassive expression.
The Montgomery family had always been like this.
Theodore Montgomery cared deeply about appearances.
He constantly sought to project an image of family unity.
As long as it didn’t interfere with her plans.
The other women knew Isabella’s reputation.
No.5
They fell silent under her gaze.
The air grew thick with tension.
Victoria lifted a solitary dress and offered it to Isabella. “Here, sister. Go change. We’re all waiting. Grandfather asked me to remind you—today’s wedding is crucial for the Montgomerys. We must all behave.”
Her meaning was clear.
If Isabella disrupted the wedding, Theodore would never forgive her.
Isabella eyed the smoky gray gown.
She took it from Victoria’s hands.
So this was Victoria’s plan.
Dress her in this dull, lifeless color and then destroy her reputation.
Victoria was about to learn the true meaning of regret.
No.6
It would be a lesson she would never forget.
Isabella entered the dressing room.
The moment the door closed, the eight bridesmaids erupted in whispers.
“Who does she think she is? A bit of money and she acts superior to everyone!”
“Exactly. Victoria is so much nicer. Even at her peak, she never acted like that.”
“What does her arrogance matter? She’s still just a bridesmaid. Alexander is marrying Victoria. She has no one.”
Their voices were hushed but sharp.
Victoria heard every word.
A smug smile touched her lips.
How could Isabella ever compete?
No.7
Every Montgomery adored her, not Isabella.
The thought of Isabella standing beside her, overshadowed and insignificant, filled her with glee.
Then… Click.
The door swung open.